Cyber Crime
Top 10 Daily Cybercrime Brief by FCRF [24.12.2024]: Click here to Know More
Important global cybercrime news has been curated by FutureCrime Researchers to keep you informed about various types of digital fraud occurring worldwide and to provide insights into the best mitigation strategies. Read below to learn more in detail.
1. 21 Arrested for Defrauding 16,000 People of Rs 125 Crore in Major Cyber Fraud Operation by Gurgaon Police
Gurgaon police arrested 21 cybercriminals who defrauded over 16,000 victims of Rs 125 crore across India. The offenders, involved in multiple scams, used fake identities to dupe people, including stock market frauds and posing as law enforcement or courier officials. Several arrests were made in connection with these crimes.
2. Mumbai’s Cyber Department Operates Without a DCP for 18 Months
Mumbai’s Cyber Police Division has been without a full-time DCP for 18 months, despite rising cybercrime cases, with financial frauds exceeding Rs 1,200 crore. Temporary DCPs from the crime branch have overseen the unit, but internal requests for a permanent appointment remain ignored, hampering effective response to growing cyber threats.
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3. Family Duped Of Rs 7.50 Crore In Massive SIM Swap Scam
A Mumbai family lost Rs 7.50 crore in a SIM swap scam, where fraudsters hacked mobile numbers and executed over 80 transactions from their company’s ICICI Bank account. The money was transferred to multiple banks between December 21 and 23. Police are investigating and freezing linked accounts, but the accused remains absconding.
4. Man from Latehar Loses Rs 51,000 in Cyber Scam
A Latehar man, Jharkhand lost Rs 51,686 to cybercriminals in a fraudulent 5G upgrade scam. The scammers convinced him to share his OTP, leading to unauthorized transactions from his Bank of Baroda account via PhonePe. The man filed a complaint, and the case was forwarded to the cyber crime police.
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5. Three Cybercriminals Arrested for Duping a Man of Rs 45 Lakh in Bihar
Three individuals, including a woman, were arrested for defrauding a man of Rs 45.86 lakh from his bank account in Saran district. The criminals, identified as Vikas Sharma, Subhash Pal, and Sunita Devi, used fake legal threats to trick the victim. The amount has not been recovered yet.
INTERNATIONAL
6. 792 Arrested in Huge Crypto and Romance Scam, Exposing Cybercrime as a Corporate Operation
The EFCC’s December 10 raid uncovered a global cybercrime syndicate involved in romance scams and cryptocurrency fraud. With 792 suspects arrested, including 148 Chinese nationals, the operation used fake profiles and deceptive platforms to manipulate victims. The syndicate’s sophisticated infrastructure highlights the growing, borderless nature of modern cybercrime.
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7. CYBERPOL Issues Urgent Alert on Fake Temu Sales and Counterfeit Cosmetics Dangers
CYBERPOL has warned of a surge in counterfeit products, especially cosmetics, sold under the Temu platform. These fraudulent goods, often toxic, pose severe health risks, particularly to women. The global syndicates behind this scam exploit Temu to profit, leading to massive financial losses. CYBERPOL urges swift action to combat this threat.
8. Justice Department Targets LockBit Ransomware, Arresting Key Developer in Israel
The U.S. Department of Justice praised the arrest of Panev, a key LockBit ransomware figure, marking a significant victory in the fight against cybercrime. Panev developed malware and provided technical expertise for LockBit’s attacks, which caused over $500 million in extortion. His arrest follows international efforts to dismantle the group.
9. North Korean Hackers Steal $1.34 Billion in Crypto This Year
North Korean hackers have stolen $1.34 billion in cryptocurrency this year, more than double last year’s total, according to Chainalysis. These cybercrimes fund the country’s missile and nuclear programs. North Korea’s hacking slowed after a June partnership with Russia, reducing its reliance on cybercrime for funding.
10. UK ICO Criticizes Google’s Plans to Enable Device Fingerprinting
Google plans to allow business customers to use fingerprinting for ad targeting starting in 2025, drawing criticism from the UK’s ICO. Fingerprinting builds user profiles via device data, and the ICO warns it violates transparency and privacy standards. Meanwhile, North Korean cybercriminals continue to exploit crypto and job scams.